Matvei Mitchkov's contract with the Flyers possibly already violated
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Samer Dagher
Jul 21, 2024 (4:00 PM)
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Photo credit: X
Matvei Michkov, one of the NHL's top prospects, may have breached his contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Drafted 7th overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft, Michkov was expected to stay with SKA St. Petersburg for three more years but is now set to join the Flyers for the 2024-25 season. This exciting development for the Flyers is overshadowed by concerns that Michkov, who signed his entry-level contract last month, might have violated its terms.
In a spontaneous interview at the Media Hockey League tournament, Michkov avoided direct questions about the Flyers, hinting that they might not know about his participation in the event:
Note: the following was translated from Russian.
"I know, probably Philadelphia, I don't know whether they even know about existence or not, but I just came with my friends Uvi to play hockey, after all, it's a holiday." Michkov said.
When asked if the Flyers knew, he added: "To be honest, I don't know, I'm talking about this, I'm leaving now on the twentieth, I'm flying away, as if God forbid things worked out here."
"I know, probably Philadelphia, I don't know whether they even know about existence or not, but I just came with my friends Uvi to play hockey, after all, it's a holiday." Michkov said.
When asked if the Flyers knew, he added: "To be honest, I don't know, I'm talking about this, I'm leaving now on the twentieth, I'm flying away, as if God forbid things worked out here."
It's strange that a player under an NHL contract isn't clear about his activities, raising concerns reminiscent of former top prospect Nail Yakupov.
In Michkov's interview with BreadSport, notice at the end of the clip how he just shrugs off the question.
Sounds like what he means is: I'm not sure if the Flyers know that I'm playing in this league or not, but I'm leaving on the 20th (this Saturday) so who really cares?
Sounds like what he means is: I'm not sure if the Flyers know that I'm playing in this league or not, but I'm leaving on the 20th (this Saturday) so who really cares?
While Michkov has the potential to excel as a player, personality and mentality are also crucial for NHL success.
Michkov could be the next Yakupov (one of very few who has this archetype who doesn't work out tremendously well).
Hopefully, Michkov will prove his critics wrong, but his current situation raises concerns just days before his arrival in North America.
Credit Markerzone:
Matvei Michkov may have already breached his contract with the Flyers
Matvei Michkov may have already breached his contract with the Flyers
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